COMMUNITY FESTIVALS
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FESTIVE FUN
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Festivals always mean family fun, and Clark County contributes at least its fair share. Our longest-running festival – the Summer Arts Festival – is also our most recognized and loved. This free, month-long celebration of music and fun has been taking place between the scenic cliffs along Buck Creek for nearly 50 years and draws attendees from across the region and state. M U S I C • H I S T O RY • H O B B I E S • H O L I DAYS • A N D M O R E
S U M M E R A R T S F E S T I VA L | J U N E & J U L Y
FA I R AT N E W B O S T O N | S E P T E M B E R
C O N C E R T S U N D E R T H E S TA R S
A R E VO LU T I O N A RY G AT H E R I N G
———— In what might be likened to a modern observance of the summer solstice, rows of lawn chairs start appearing shortly after sunup between the limestone cliffs of Veterans Park from mid-June through mid-July. It’s the time-honored method for reserving a prime spot for that evening’s performance at the Springfield Summer Arts Festival.
The admission-free festival has something for everyone — from those whose tastes run from ribs to Rachmaninoff. Tribute bands annually attract the likes of Parrotheads and Deadheads. Homegrown talents John Legend and Griffin House might drop by. Staples include the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and musicals showcasing local and touring talent. All play out as the sun sets on the beautiful and wellappointed Veterans Park Amphitheater. springfieldartscouncil.org
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COMMUNITY GUIDE 2021
———— Each Labor Day, history lovers and re-enactors from across the country migrate to George Rogers Clark Park for the Fair at New Boston. Held near the grounds of the Battle of Peckuwe, the largest Revolutionary War battle fought west of the Allegheny Mountains, the event transports attendees to the 18th century, where tinsmiths, blacksmiths and tatters display their wares between taverns, and ruffians do their best to avoid detection by constables on patrol. The regular firing of the 6-pound cannon near the stockade helps moderns hear echoes of the Ohio past while General George Rogers Clark patrols the grounds.
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The admission fee to all events in the Springfield Summer Arts Festival.
fairatnewboston.org
1790-1810 The setting for the annual Fair at New Boston.
greaterspringfield.com
